Activated carbon filters are primarily made using specially processed carbon materials that have a highly porous structure, allowing them to adsorb contaminants. While there are different forms, such as granular activated carbon (GAC), a common type is the carbon block filter.
Based on the provided information, carbon block filters are made through a specific process involving two key components.
The Making of Carbon Block Filters
The process focuses on binding fine carbon particles together to create a solid block. This structure is crucial for forcing water to pass through the carbon material, maximizing contact time for effective filtration.
Here's a breakdown of the main elements involved:
- Fine Granules: The foundation of the filter consists of carbon that has been ground into fine granules. The reference notes that as carbon is ground to a finer granule, the surface area increases. A larger surface area allows for more adsorption sites, improving the filter's capacity to capture impurities.
- Bonding Agent: These fine carbon granules are then held together with a bonding agent. This agent acts as a glue, forming the carbon particles into a cohesive block.
- Structure: The bonding agent is strategically used so that it only takes up about 15% of the surface area. This minimal use ensures that the majority of the carbon's surface remains available for adsorption. The structure of the block filter is designed for water to flow in through the side of the filter and sends filtered water out through the top.
Key Components of Carbon Block Filters
| Component | Role | Percentage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Carbon Granules | Provide the porous structure for adsorption; finer particles increase surface area. | 85% |
| Bonding Agent | Binds granules together to form a solid block, maintaining structure. | 15% |
This manufacturing method results in a dense carbon block filter that can effectively remove chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants from water through adsorption and mechanical filtration.
